Finding a primary care doctor (1358)

Key points below

Finding the right doctor is important. It is most helpful to find your PCP first, before any needed specialists. Think about what you need and what is important to you.

What is a PCP?

PCPs care for your wellness and common illnesses. They answer questions about infections, long-term health problems and medicines. They can be:

doctors (Family Practice or Internal Medicine).
nurse practitioners.
physician assistants.

A PCP should be your medical home. This means that they:

will be able to follow keep track of your health over time.
look for changes in your health.
make sure you are getting the health care you need.

Most often your PCP is the first person you should call or MyChart when you have a question about your health.

A PCP will:

teach you ways to make good choices to stay healthy and prevent disease.
recommend tests to find any problems early, like blood sugar or cholesterol.
help you with long-term health problems like diabetes, high cholesterol, or depression.
find a specialist if you need one. This may be a back surgeon or a skin doctor.

Why is it important to have a PCP?

You may spend less time in the hospital.
You may spend less money on health care.
You can often see your PCP sooner than a specialist. You won’t have to suffer with your aches and pains as long.
Your insurance company may require a referral from your PCP in order to Insurance companies may company to not pay for a visit with a medical specialist., unless you have a referral from your PCP.

What things should I consider?

Insurance

Get a list of PCPs that are covered by your insurance. You can often find this on your insurance company’s website or call the number on the back of your insurance card.
Ask the PCP if they accept your insurance

Services

Find out:

who covers for the PCP when they are on vacation or after hours.
if you can get help with referrals if a second opinion is needed.
who answers the phone calls. How soon calls are returned.
if advice or medicines are given over the phone.
if the office will set up payment plans, if needed.

Other Services

Find out:

Where tests or lab work are done.
Which hospitals the doctor works with.

Find out:

if you can make a visit just to ask questions or talk about a plan of care.
if the PCP will talk with you by email, text or MyChart.
if they will work as a team with your other providers. This may include other doctors, social worker, case worker, home care nurse, personal care assistant, therapists, or others.
if they are easy to get to.

Make a decision